Support Annie Lanzillotto

Anyone who has had the fortune to see, hear, or be lucky enough to be in the presence of Annie Lanzillotto knows she is a force. A poet, performance artist, author, songwriter, podcaster, cantastoria, healer, and all-around wonderful human being, ANNIE NEEDS OUR HELP. Recently, Annie was diagnosed with her 3rd cancer, Follicular Lymphoma, a form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The treatment of her first cancer, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which she got at the age of 17, is what has caused this cancer. If you haven't read her memoir L is for Lion: A Bronx Butch Freedom Memoir, she details what receiving that diagnosis was like and how the treatment affected her. Here's the thing: Annie is a fighter. BUT like all of us, she has been beaten down by this pandemic economically, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Due to Annie's compromised immune system, she has spent the pandemic in isolation. There are no visitors inside her Yonkers apartment. She ventured out a handful of times over the summer, but Annie had the protection of full PPE gear. During the pandemic, she's worked hard to remain connected through her art. She even started a podcast and has performed online. She's also been active in helping young artists find their voices. Annie visited my class on LGBTQ film and literature via Zoom in Spring 2021. My West Virginia University students were inspired not only by her memoir, but also by her performance art, which was full force even over Zoom! But still, it is difficult. Annie needs her tribe more than ever.

This moment is where we all come in. Annie needs assistance with food, the medical bills and medications that will be expensive, learning how to nurture herself, and emotional and spiritual support that is one way going to and for her alone. For the next part of this cancer journey, we need to help Annie see that she is loved, cared for, and enough AS SHE IS. We don't need her to perform for us; she has given us so much of herself through her art, intellect, and friendship. What she needs now is for us to show up for her the way she has done for countless numbers of us throughout our lives.

Annie has been on disability for a while. She has no income. This cancer diagnosis means Annie is going to have a difficult time meeting her basic needs. Anything you are able to donate will lift her spirits and her bank account. And please, I don't know everyone Annie knows. Share this far and wide to create a big circle of love and support for Annie--she deserves nothing less!

If you don't know Annie, here is a link to her webpage where you can purchase her art and books: https://www.annielanzillotto.com/